Akshay Kumar, Kangana Ranaut slam Maldives minister for 'racist' comments over PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit

Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Kangana Ranaut have often been vocal about their opinions on issues of national interests. In the latest, the actors have slammed Maldivian minister Zahid Rameez who mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep.

For the unversed, PM Modi recently visited Lakshadweep focussing attention on its immense potential for tourism. Later, several social media users suggested that tourism will boost in Lakshadweep and help wean tourists away from Maldives. Reacting to the same, the Maldivian leader tweeted, "The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall."

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In response to derogatory comments by Maldivian minister, the social media began calling for a boycott of Maldives as a tourist destination. Bollywood Khiladi Akshay also expressed his displeasure over the hate speech and wrote, "Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism.”

On the other hand, Kangana also hit it back at the minister saying, "Smell?? Permanent smell?? What!!! Suffering from massive Muslim phobia, even though belonging to the same community. Lakshadweep consists of 98 percent of Muslim population, this prominent public figure from Maldives calling them smelly and lowly is rather racist and uninformed. Mr Zahid, Lakshadweep’s entire population is hardly 60 thousands people, which means it’s almost untouched, unexplored and unexploited natural island."

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Meanwhile, workwise, Kangana was last seen in aerial actioner Tejas. Up next, she is geared up for the release of her political drama, Emergency in which she plays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Akshay, on the other hand, will be seen in high-octane actioner Bade Miyan Chote Miyan co-starring Tiger Shroff. He also has Housefull 5 and Welcome To The Jungle in the pipeline.